What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin^®), hydrocodone (Vicodin^®), codeine, morphine, and many others. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

What does an Opioid Overdose look like?

• Slow and shallow breathing
• Very sleepy and unable to talk, or unconscious
•  Blue lips or fingertips
• Snoring or gurgling sounds
  
  

Who is at Risk for an Overdose?

• Individuals who use opiates
  
  
• Individuals who have lowered their tolerance and return to using
  
  • those released from jail
  • those who have completed treatment
  • those who relapse after maintaining abstinence
    
    

What can you do?

• If you come across someone experiencing an opioid overdose, call 911!
  
  
• Get Naloxone! You can view an online training or go to your local pharmacy. Bucks County residents 18 years and older can also come into the BCDAC, Inc. office.
  
  
• Properly store, secure and dispose of medications in your home.